Flu season mild in most of California

LOS ANGELES -- San Diego had a record 60 flu-related deaths in the past season while California overall recorded a fairly mild flu season, state and local health officials said Wednesday.

The previous record was 58 deaths in 2009-10, according to San Diego County's public health chief, Dr. Wilma Wooten.

"Influenza deaths are very unfortunate but serve as a strong reminder that people should get vaccinated," Wooten said.

Most of the deaths in San Diego County were elderly people, and all but one had underlying medical conditions that could have contributed to their deaths.

Unlike San Diego County, state officials don't collect data for deaths in people over 65 years of age. Senior deaths can often be attributed to more than one health problem, so they don't give officials a good indicator of flu severity.

Statewide, 61 flu deaths have been reported. Of those deaths, three were children. By the state's count, 11 people -- non-seniors -- have died in San Diego's metropolitan area.

Flu was detected in most parts of the state, with most of the deaths centered in urban areas. Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento saw the most deaths.

California, like 45 other states, had "minimal" flu activity in the last recorded week of March 23. Flu activity requiring hospitalization has continued to decline since peaking in January and February, an earlier peak than typical in California

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention keeps track of an even smaller number of deaths -- those that occur in children. Nationally, flu season has killed 105 children this season, which is about average.

Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older be vaccinated against flu annually, though only about half get a flu shot or nasal spray.